So, The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Microsoft was very close to take over Nokia, but that the talks eventually broke down, probably beyond repair - at least for now. The reasons the talks broke down illustrate something that I have repeatedly tried to make clear for a long time now: Nokia isn't doing well.

The whole thing is stupid. I've long been arguing for a more measured analysis of Nokia, in which hey, maybe they aren't going to die, and hey, maybe Windows Phone does sell more than two phones.

The last time I've been in our local mall. Nokia's bou·tique is a ghost town. 12 years go, Nokia is the only kid in town. Now, people have move on with My|Phone, Samsung, Cherry Mobile and many other Android devices in addition to iPhone. Had Nokia release an Android device, it would sell, since many people are interested in phones in the name of Android.